Physalis plant named &#39;Queen&#39;

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of  Physalis  plant named ‘Queen’. The new variety is primarily characterized by an upright, very vigorous growth habit and bright orange husks, is disclosed.

GENUS AND SPECIES

Physalis alkekengi

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Queen’

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct Physalis varietydesignated ‘Queen’ and botanically known as Physalis alkekengi. This newPhysalis variety was discovered in Toggraben, Germany in September 2007and originated from an open pollination between the proprietary femaleparent ‘06-31’ (unpatented) and un-named Physalis plants. The originalseedling of the new variety was first asexually propagated in Boijl andAalsmeer, The Netherlands in 2008.

‘Queen’ was subsequently asexually propagated and underwent furthertesting in Boijl and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands for two years. Thepresent invention has been found to retain its distinctivecharacteristics through successive asexual propagations via stolons andtissue culture.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for.‘Queen’ has not been made publicly available or sold more than one yearprior to the filing date of this application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photograph shows the overall plant habit of a6-month old plant. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonablyobtained by conventional photographic procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctivecharacteristics of ‘Queen’. The data which define these characteristicsis based on observations taken in Boijl and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands inSeptember 2010. This description is in accordance with UPOV terminology.Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypicaldescriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptionsdepending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic, andcultural conditions. ‘Queen’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The botanical description of ‘Queen’ was takenfrom 6 month old plants. Color terminology follows The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, London (RHS) (2001).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

-   Classification:    -   -   Species.—Physalis alkekengi.        -   Common name.—Physalis.        -   Denomination.—‘Queen’.-   Plant:    -   -   Height (cm).—40.0 cm.        -   Diameter (cm).—30.0.        -   Habit and shape.—Upright.        -   Vigor.—Very vigorous.-   Shoot:    -   -   Attitude of one year old shoot.—40.0 cm.        -   Curvature of one year old shoot.—Straight.        -   Number of basal shoots per plant.—30.        -   Prickles.—Absent.        -   Color.—RHS 147C.-   Leaves:    -   -   Length, mature (cm).—8.0 cm.        -   Width, mature (cm).—5.0 cm.        -   Apex.—Acute.        -   Base.—Obtuse.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Shape.—Deltoid/aristate.        -   Color, both immature and mature.—Upper surface: RHS 146A            Lower surface: RHS 146B.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Anthocyanin.—Absent.        -   Angle of base of blade with petiole.—Obtuse.        -   Glossiness of both leaf surfaces.—Weak.        -   Petiole.—Length (cm): 4.0 cm Diameter (cm): 4.0 mm            Pubescence: Absent Color: RHS 146A.-   Flower:    -   -   Predominant number of flowers per plant.—Greater than 50.        -   Time of flowering (from first to last flower).—July.        -   Sepal.—Shape: Ovate/rounded and fused Base: Fused Length:            5.0 cm Width: 3.0 cm Number of sepals per flower: 5 Color            (both upper and lower surfaces): RHS 30A.-   Fruit:    -   -   Length.—1.0 cm.        -   Width.—1.0 cm.        -   Weight, per individual fruit.—10 g.        -   Relative fruit size.—Small.        -   Predominant fruit shape.—Round.        -   Color.—RHS 44B.        -   Evenness of fruit color.—Even.        -   Pubescence.—Absent.        -   Veining.—Strong.        -   Fruit glossiness.—High.        -   Firmness of flesh.—Firm.        -   Color of flesh.—RHS 44B.        -   Evenness of flesh color.—Even.        -   Peduncle.—Length (cm): 3 cm Diameter (cm): 1 mm Color: RHS            146A Pubescence: absent.-   Disease and insect resistance: No particular resistance observed.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL VARIETY

Physalis ‘Queen’ cannot be compared to the female parent ‘06-31’,because plants of ‘06-31’ are no longer available.

1. A new and distinct variety of Physalis plant as described and shown herein. 